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1965 Ford Mustang: The Making of a Legend

Like wasp nests that are hidden in a dark corner of a hot landscape, Wasp Automotive is located in the sweltering heat of California's high desert in the city of Oak Hills. Inside an unassuming building, owner Osvaldo "Oz" Asencio toils alone on his signature masterpiece: the custom blue with bronze trimmed 1965 Ford Mustang tentatively called "The Blue Buffalo".

Debuted for the public at 2018's Fabulous Fords Forever show held at Knott's Berry Farm, Oz showed the unfinished car for crowds of Mustang fans who stood in awe of the car's many hidden gems. Its unassuming low-key appearance quickly gives way to its specialness. Shocking features like front and rear pushrod suspension, custom made—as in custom modified—American Racing rims that, on first blush, look like super expensive forged rims, a myriad of bespoke aluminum CNC parts, and working quarter panel brake ducts are just a few of the exotic modifications that set this car apart from the herd. The car, when finished, will be Oz's signature build of how far he can take a car.

HOT ROD was invited to Wasp Automotive's shop to document the final stages of the car's build. Initially planned to be released at SEMA 2018, a date that may not be reached by the small one-man-show. Regardless of what happens, you can follow along with the build to see how it evolves over time.